PCSD Co-Responder / Designated Crisis Responder

Join a team that shares your calling

At MultiCare, you’re more than just a job title — you’re part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and our communities. Belonging here means living our mission and values every day. If your purpose and passions align with ours, you’ll find a place to grow, do meaningful work and build a career you love in a community that feels like home.

FTE: 1.0 Shift: Night Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday, 4pm - 2:30am

We're glad you're furthering your career here at MultiCare! Review the job information below and reach out to HR if you have any issues with the application process.

The Co-Responder position is a Designated Crisis Responder that is embedded with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) and is part of the Mobile Outreach Crisis Team. The Co-Responders are a resource for Law Enforcement (LE) to utilize when responding to calls with a mental health component to it. The incumbent performs crisis intervention to reduce hospitalizations, and effectively link consumers with on-going mental support services; conducts involuntary commitment evaluations and revocations in accordance with department policies, procedures, state and federal guidelines and protocols provided by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR); files petitions for hearings; educates and provides information for families; collects data; keeps records and provides testimony and/or advocacy, with courts and other agencies. The Co-Responder is to provide least restrictive options for clients that struggling with mental health and to divert from hospitalizations and incarcerations.

Work is performed to provide 20/7 coverage typically for substance use consumers and their natural and professional support systems to manage their crisis in the community under the direction and supervision of an assigned administrative superior and in collaboration with the lieutenant in the PCSD.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be mental health professional in accordance with WAC 388-865-0150
• Must be licensed in the state of Washington as an Agency Affiliated Counselor upon hire
• Or be a licensed a Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker or Social Worker Associate, Marriage and Family Therapist or Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Washing ton State
• Must complete all Pre-Employment requirements with MultiCare Health System which includes UA
• Current Washington state driver’s license
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in a Mental Health setting
• Must pass the PCSD UA, fingerprints, background check, and background interview before your start date with MultiCare Health System
• Be able to wear a ballistic vest while on calls
• Must be able to operate a county vehicle and pass the defensive driving
• Must be able to communicate effectively over the radio with Sound Sound 911 and LE
• Current or former experience as a Designated Mental Health Professional - preferred

Position Summary

The Designated Crisis Responder is a key role within the crisis team at MultiCare, responding to psychiatric crises in the community in the most effective, efficient, and safe manner possible. Performing interventions to reduce hospitalizations, supporting patients with mental support services and conducting evaluations and revocations, this role offers you the capacity to apply your expertise, advocacy and interpersonal skill sets in your daily work functions.

Responsibilities

• Provides crisis intervention services to individuals in their own homes, residential placements or other environments

• Develops and communicates treatment and safety plans that will assist individuals and their natural and professional supports in resolving psychiatric crises. Develops preliminary diagnosis as required

• Provides coordinating function for the team, when assigned, acting as a liaison between the mobile outreach team and the Behavioral Health Organization (BHO)

• You will develop relationships with community resources to effectively divert individuals in crisis from inpatient care

• Collaborates and/or liaisons with other BHO services as well as State agencies and community social services

• You will provide testimony and/or advocacy, with courts and other agencies as needed

Requirements

• Masters degree in a related field

• A Mental Health Professional as defined within HB 1724 one of these higher credentials are held: Counselor Agency Affiliated Licensed, Marriage & Family Therap Assoc (LMFTA), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), SW Advanced Lic (LASW), SW Associate Advanced License (LSWAA), Mental Health Counselor Assoc (LMHCA), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC),SW Associate Advanced License (LSWAA), SW Advanced Lic (LASW), SW Assoc Independent Clinical Lic (LSWAIC), SW Independent Clinical Lic (LICSW)

• Drivers License/Abstract

• Must be approved, have clearance, and pass additional background checks from correctional facilities and jails that make referrals to crisis team and agree to annual background checks

Why MultiCare?

Rooted in the local community

Partnering with patients, families and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest for more than 140 years.

Growth and education

Competitive tuition assistance, award-winning residencies, fellowships and career development to invest in you.

Well-being and support

Generous PTO, Code Lavender and Employee Assistance Programs to help you maintain balance and feel cared in your work and life.

Living our values

Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients, communities and each other.

Belonging for all

Resource Groups and outreach programs help ensure every team member feels safe, seen, heard and valued.

Pacific Northwest lifestyle

Work and live where natural beauty, adventure and strong community connections are part of everyday life.

Pay and Benefit Expectations

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The pay scale is $42.64 - $61.37 USD. However, pay is influenced by factors specific to applicants, including but not limited to: skill set, level of experience, and certification(s) and/or education. If this position is associated with a union contract, pay will be reflective of the appropriate step on the pay scale to which the applicant’s years of experience align.

Associated benefit information can be viewed here.